Wednesday, March 18, 2009

This raises an interesting question here. As far as I can tell, this woman got involved in a religion that at first glance appears to be a cult. Her husband didn't like this new religion, and filed for a divorce, and asked that the kids be returned to public school, presumably in an attempt to help the children not be so heavily influenced by the mother's new religion.

Where do the rights fall here? Is this issue really about homeschooling or religion? Does the father/husband have any rights now in the lives of his children, or will the mother now have all the say over the children's futures?

There are a lot of issues here that could beg tons of questions in any given direction. I am a homeschooling mother, and wouldn't be very happy if I was told I couldn't do it anymore. If I were involved in a cult, I probably wouldn't realize it and would also be unhappy if I felt that my religion was being attacked. But does that make it right? Who gets to decide what is or isn't a cult? So many questions. Any thoughts?

In light of the recent salmonella scare, when I first created these cupcakes a few months ago I decided to make my own peanut butter for this recipe. It's fairly simple, and adds a lighter taste to the cupcakes.

Homemade Peanut Butter

2 1/2 cups dry, unsalted peanuts

4 Tablespoons oil (vegetable, peanut, canola, or I use coconut oil)

1-2 Tablespoons honey

In a food processor, grind the peanuts fine. Add the oil and process again until very well blended. Add the honey and blend again.Note: You will have leftover peanut butter from this recipe.

In a large bowl, combine the brown sugar, peanut butter and butter. Beat with an electric mixer for about 2 minutes. Next, add the egg and egg yolk and beat for another 2 minutes.

Add half of the flour mixture to the peanut butter mixture, and mix until well combined, about 30 seconds. Add the sour cream and mix for another 20-30 seconds. Gradually add the remaining flour, along with the hot water, and mix on low speed for another 30 seconds. Add the vanilla, mix for about 10 secons, and then fold with a rubber spatula until all of the ingredients are well combined.

Fill each cupcake liner to about 2/3 full and bake in a preheated 325 degree F. oven for about 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.

Honey Soak (Completely optional, but it adds a nice touch)

1/2 cup honey (I used an orange blossom honey)

1/4 cup water

3 Tablespoons orange juice (the fresher the better)

1 Tablespoon sugar

Combine all ingredients in a medium sized saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Allow to cool until it is still runny but cool enough to dip the cupcakes in.

Dip the cupcakes in the honey mixture and let them drain on a wire rack over a piece of waxed paper. Allow the honey soak to set in and then frost with Honey Vanilla Buttercream Frosting.

Honey Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

3/4 cup powdered sugar

1 Tablespoon honey

Seeds from a 1-inch piece of vanilla bean

Combine all of the ingredients and beat until the desired consistency is reach. More powdered sugar may be added if desired.

I will be competing for this prize pack, courtesy of the fine artists at Etsy:

Saturday, March 14, 2009

My dear, sweet, EVIL kitteh decided he didn't like the fact that while I was sleeping I wasn't petting him. As my arm was hanging over the edge, apparently he felt the need to remind me of his presence.

Here's the Bad Bad Kitteh in question.

And here's the damage.

Does anyone know how to deal with aggressive kitteh's? He's okay some days, and like this other days. This is definitely the worst he's done yet, and I think he was mad about something too, but I don't know how to work this behavior out of him. Thoughts?